Ballinalacken just ahead of Top Cat Henry at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Ballinalacken prevailed in a thrilling finish to the opening Goresbridge Maiden Hurdle at Gowran Park this afternoon for father and son pair Pat and Jack Doyle.
Hidden Lite cut out the running in the two-and-a-half mile event but was claimed by 4/1 favourite Top Cat Henry after an untidy leap three from home.
Ballinalacken tracked that rival into the straight and challenged at the second last.
Pat Doyle 's charge was ridden into a narrow lead approaching the final flight but Top Cat Henry rallied well on the run-in and the pair were locked together in the closing stages.
6/1 shot Ballinalacken got the verdict at the line for a hard fought head success.
The Fruits Of Love gelding was making his track debut having been placed once in four point-to-point starts.
“He's done it nicely although it was probably an ordinary enough race,” said Doyle senior.
“He was a bit unlucky in Kinsale and I think he would have won but for falling four out. His run behind Indevan at Dromahane gave him a good chance here. That was the last time JT (McNamara) rode for me.
“I think he would make an ideal horse for England.”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
